Under laws established at both the state and federal levels, commercial trucks cannot exceed a certain weight while traveling on public roads. Unfortunately, many trucking companies knowingly and deliberately flaunt these regulations in order to save time and money while moving cargo. This recklessness can have devastating consequences if it causes a loss of vehicle control in transit.
Every year, overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Kenosha and throughout Wisconsin cause serious injuries to those involved. If you were hurt by an overly or improperly loaded truck, speak with an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. We could help you understand your legal rights and proactively pursue the compensation you deserve.
Consequences of an Overweight Truck Crash
Commercial trucks can cause catastrophic harm when they collide with much smaller commuter vehicles. When a massive truck hits a passenger car, the force can lead to catastrophic injuries such as:
- Severe lacerations
- Ligament and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
Damages in Overloaded Tractor-Trailer Collision Cases
If negligence by a truck driver or the company that employs them directly leads to someone else getting hurt, the injured victim may be able to hold the negligent party financially responsible for their losses. This could include economic damages such as car repair expenses and medical bills as well as non-economic forms of compensation for pain and suffering. However, successfully proving that negligence caused an overloaded truck wreck in Kenosha can often be more complex than it might at first appear, requiring help from a skilled attorney.
Proving a Violation of State or Federal Trucking Weight Limits
Federal law states that commercial trucks traveling between states cannot have a total combined weight between the cab, trailer, cargo, and mechanical components in excess of 80,000 pounds. Additionally, trucks engaged in interstate commerce cannot put more than 20,000 pounds of weight on a single axle or more than 34,000 pounds of weight on a tandem axle. Wisconsin state law establishes identical regulations for intrastate commercial trucks that do not have special permits to carry more weight.
Unfortunately, showing conclusive evidence that a truck exceeded these weight limits can be challenging, as cargo scattered around an accident scene may be difficult to weigh and factor into a civil claim. Fortunately, the attorneys at our Kenosha office have significant experience investigating and handling overweight tractor-trailer claims. Following an overloaded truck accident, our lawyers in the area could work on an injured party’s behalf to collect relevant evidence, compile it into a compelling claim, and demand fair restitution for all available damages.
Call a Kenosha Attorney for Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents
Filing suit against a trucking company is never a simple prospect, especially if the collision was caused by violations of state and/or federal law. Proving that a truck was carrying too much cargo is a difficult task, especially for someone suffering from serious injuries. However, financial recovery could be essential to maintaining your future prospects, given the debilitating consequences that often stem from these types of incidents.
Seeking knowledgeable legal counsel should be your first priority after an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Kenosha. Call the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today for a consultation.